The Virginia bar disgraces itself [UPDATED]

The Virginia State Bar has sent the following letter to its members:

March 27, 2015

Dear Fellow Members of the Virginia State Bar,

Certain members of the Virginia State Bar and other individuals have expressed objections to the VSB’s plan to take the Midyear Legal Seminar trip in November to Jerusalem. It was stated that there are some unacceptable discriminatory policies and practices pertaining to border security that affect travelers to the nation. Upon review of U.S. State Department advisories and other research, and after consultation with our leaders, it has been determined that there is enough legitimate concern to warrant cancellation of the Israel trip and exploration of alternative locations.

Undoubtedly, this news will disappoint some VSB members. But we are a state agency that strives for maximum inclusion and equality, and that explains this action. Fortunately, we still anticipate being able to find a suitable location for the November seminar trip, and we will send out further news very soon.

Finally, we are pleased that our members and citizens feel able to express concerns and look to us to protect rights. In the end, we are all part of the same team, and the VSB will continue to stay focused on advancing its primary objectives—public protection, access to justice, and improvement of the profession.

As always, I appreciate having the honor of serving as your president.

Best regards,

Kevin E. Martingayle
President, Virginia State Bar

It’s an odd and perhaps dangerous notion that Virginia’s lawyers are “part of a team.” It’s distressing that the “team” has enlisted in the boycott Israel movement.

The rot is spreading faster than most of us imagine.

UPDATE: David Bernstein, a law professor at George Mason and a member of the Virginia State Bar, offers his thoughts at the Volokh Conspiracy